Victoria Barracks Toilet Plans Still Opposed By East Cowes Councillor

Revised plans for new toilet and shower facilities at the historic Victoria Barracks in East Cowes have failed to win over the town's Isle of Wight councillor.

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has submitted updated proposals for a change of use of The Guardhouse on Albany Road, but East Cowes councillor Karl Love says he remains opposed to cutting through the iron railings and wall frontage of the 19th century building.

In his objection, Councillor Love says the proposed works are "not acceptable" and has warned they would cause damage to what he has previously described as a "jewel" within the conservation area.

The revised application, submitted by CHC's agent ERMC, would see The Guardhouse brought back into use as toilet and shower facilities, along with essential waste storage to serve a planned 145-berth marina.

The marina itself is the subject of a separate planning application.

Councillor Love said:

"It's not appropriate to do any heritage damage when there is a perfectly reasonable and logical entry point that can be reinstated.

"Thereby avoiding any unnecessary confrontation which CHC have chosen.

"One can reinstate this door without having to cause any damage at all to the iron fencing and provide access as requested."

The wider proposals also include wash-down areas, external and internal alterations, a single-storey extension, new pedestrian gated access, fencing, privacy screens, external paving and a bin store.

Changes made since the original submission include removing a privacy screen from the building's middle compartment and the fencing around the bin store.

Additional metal railings have also been added to the site's northern and eastern boundaries.

In an updated Design and Access Statement, ERMC says the scheme would enhance a locally important building while supporting modern marina operations and helping to regenerate East Cowes' waterfront.

It states:

"The proposal submitted represents a sympathetic addition to the site and shall offer a continuity in building aesthetic and design whilst revitalising the seafront setting."